Sunday, February 03, 2008

Importance of Enthusiasm for a Subject

"Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Or as Henry Ford said:

"Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas."


When I was younger, my enthusiasm was often commented upon by my elders. Now I wonder, is enthusiasm a characteristic of the young? Perhaps, but I've met young people with little enthusiasm for anything. In fact enthusiasm is often labeled "uncool." But I believe it is still important to convey to students one's on love of learning about a subject.

How can teachers who aren't engaged in their subject, expect to engage others in it?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Every major innovator in history has been enthusiastic about whatever the project at hand was, otherwise we would not have modern electricity, electronics or transportation, just to cite a few examples. The champions of "status quo" made every effort to discourage those innovators. Louis Pasteur was persecuted for his ideas, even though his improvements saved countless lives.
The world can be grateful for all the creative people who refused to be discouraged.

JLF said...

So well said. Socrates challenged critical thought, not by agreeing, dissenting, or creating anarchy.

I'm not a philosopher, but I appreciate your comment.